Pharmaceuticals

Opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector range from research and development to manufacturing and sales. While a science based degree is essential for many of these roles, some are open to graduates of other degree disciplines, such as business or numerate subjects.

Demand for graduates in the pharmaceutical industry has predominantly been in research and development (R&D) roles. The main areas that graduates can expect to work in, within a scientific context, are:

Work experience

Smaller organisations may not advertise opportunities but could be worth targetting with a speculative application. Use the websites in the Job hunting section, below, to identify organisations to approach in this way.

Skills development

Laboratory skills are key for science roles in this sector. Relevant technical skills are a key attribute ideally gained in a lab setting, industrial placement or an internship.

Regardless of the role you’re applying for, employers are looking for applicants who can demonstrate commercial awareness and receptivity to new ideas. Check out this advice on how to demonstrate commercial awareness.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number
SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a
“Recognised body” which has been
granted degree awarding powers.